striker

Interesting stats. Scoring goals is tough. Good strikers have the movement, timing, and runs to continually get opportunities. They make some and miss some, no one gets them all. its not a big goal, there is a goalie, and defenders. After that its a percentage game. I will say that some strikers score more than others, but its not like 50% go in.

Arsenal looks really strong

Hmmm, interesting possibilities.

As long as he keeps scoring goals, I'll buy him a one of those WHU bratwursts and a pint at halftime, just to keep the weight on.

Its more of a "triangle" isn't it? When attacking, or especially when Austin in is. The point of the diamond goes away leaving the base 3-person triangle. This "triangle" seems to be when we are most potent.

Strikers don't score every time. Whats important is that they continue making the runs keep getting chances, and put most of them on the goal. After that is the law of averages. Sure on easier shots the percentages go up, but on harder chances they go down. Our strikers continue to put pressure on the other team, making runs and firing away. This is how you score. You need to worry when the chances are coming.

Yes thats it. Everything boils down to this phrase sooner or later.

I think he was called up two years ago with QPR, but didn't get into a game.

I guess I am in the minority, but I like our strikers. We are creating chance after chance, and giving the defense fits. The shots are starting to fall, and will fall more. I like Long & Redmond as the "wing attacker guys" (so to speak) with Austin as the center target guy. All strikers miss, the important thing is to create lot of opportunities through movement, in the air, and overall scrappiness. We are putting pressure on the opponent.

Dam, c'mon Cobblers start Cobbling (or whatever it is the do).

I support rotating the squad for this one, WHU is more important. I'd play a lot of the youngsters (Reed, Hesketh, etc), play JRod if he is avaliable, at most play Redmond and Austin one half, and let the young striker get a run.

Just because Puel had him in Nice doesn't mean that he wants him here. I read an article somewhere that Puel basically said you have to build your scheme around HBA to make it work. I guess this is what he did at Nice then? Anyway, that strikes me as a bit of a pain in the arse, and jives with his training reports from other clubs. If all this is true, and with all our good players here, I'm not sure Puel would want the headache for what would be a role player (like at PSG).

The only thing for certain is that Puel will find this match up "interesting" and we will have "many possibilities".

Any news yet on JRod's injury? I heard he was getting some kind of scan done today?

Good observations. I get that feeling too about Austin. I think the players want him out there because he is their legitimate threat. If you notice they are always looking for him with crosses and passes when he's in. I also agree that the Redmond likes the outside and Austin the middle, and I think they adjust while on the field.

This shows something two things I've noticed about Austin, outside of scoring goals. Its also noted in the analysis by The Boot Room online blog. First Austin is very effective in the air, he usually wins the headers. On this it shows him 3 for 3. This is something we don't have a lot of now. Also he does proved assists. Each time out there he has made nice passes around the box area to set up someone else. Yesterday it was Redmond. So although many here have classified him as just a scorer, I do think he does other thigns for us out there.

I like this. The only thing I may add is Long to see if we can get him going, plus he only played a half today.

What is your issue with Austin? The guy has 3 goals in two games (really 1.5) yet you ride him. Sure he missed, but everyone else is missing a lot more.

At least Austin was 1 for 2, not 0 for a bunch. No striker makes them all, but Austin will hit a much higher percentage than the others we have. Also he is much better in the air. He makes good runs, gets to the balls in the air, and is always on target. However he is not as good as Redmond with the ball in open space, and out wide. Play players where they should play!

I agree with this. I like Redmond, but he is not a center target striker. He's a winger/attacking mid guy who needs to play with Austin. I would go Redmond, Austin, Long upfront, with JRod as backup.

This is a strong team on 2/3 of the pitch. We need Austin out there to become a total team . I also get the feeling that the team wants Austin out there, he gives them confidence. When he is on the pitch they look to attack more.

I actually think Redmond looks pretty good away from the goal with the ball. I like him better than Tadic as a #10, or play them both. But as a striker no. My preference is the Long/Austin upfront tandem. They complement each other well.

Here's what I think. Players are put in positions that they can play well, based on their physical attributes. We need to play them where they should, and where they feel most comfortable, instead of trying to manufacture a different solution

Just stop with this

Really need a goal before the half.